Middle East

Economic freedom is improving, boosted by the absence of taxes and strong public finances, but the state is authoritarian and rejects democratic ideals. Whilst the economy has slowed, foreign investment continues to be robust and an economic driver,…

Reforms have led to better economic freedom, whilst closer ties are being forged with the US. However, absolute power continues to deny democracy. Although lower oil prices have negatively affected the economy, medium-term prospects offer a recovery…

The decision of the United Arab Emirates government to remove the 30% municipality tax on alcoholic beverages at the start of 2023 marked a significant shift for alcoholic drinks packaging. This regulatory change made alcoholic drinks more affordable…

Harsh environmental conditions including excessive heat, pollution and dust are contributing to the growth of OTC consumer health in Kuwait, in particular analgesics and cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies. Consumer health is seeing steady…

The majority of consumers try to positively impact the environment, with key actions including recycling, reducing food waste and limiting plastic. Over a third of consumers identify as meat avoiders, and most are willing to pay more for sustainable…

One of the most notable features of the development of the health and wellness trend in recent years has been the way in which it has increasingly aligned with ethical considerations around social and environmental sustainability and concerns about…

The tax placed on sweetened soft drinks on 1 January 2022 was met with strong disapproval from Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community. This community saw the tax on sweetened drinks, along with another tax imposed on plasticware, to be weighted against…

The increasingly fast pace of modern lifestyles and the fragmentation of traditional family structures is serving to erode consumers’ capacity to keep to regular mealtimes. This is leading to a rise in snacking and on-the-go consumption. At the same…

Many consumers are looking to reduce their consumption of meat and dairy products. This trend underlines the broader way in which health and wellness concerns are increasingly aligning with ethical considerations around social and environmental…

As in many markets around the world, consumers in Israel are becoming increasingly concerned about the potential health impacts of eating ultra-processed foods and artificial additives such as flavourings, colourings, sweeteners and preservatives.…